Better Angels
General Info
Year: 2019
Duration: c. 6:35
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $70.00; (digital) - $70.00 | Score Only (print) - $12.50
Instrumentation
Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bells
- Chimes
- Crash Cymbals
- Finger Cymbals
- Maracas
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Tom-toms
- Triangle
- Whip
- Xylophone
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
The "better angels of our nature" quote from Lincoln's First Inaugural perfectly fits the meaning behind this expressive music. Powerful in impact and message, the profound sounds and colorful scoring represent the better nature everyone has within them. It presents a positive and uplifting spirit that everyone will find inspiring and moving.
- Program Note from publisher
Commissioned by the Raleigh Concert Band (Raleigh, N.C.) Len Bruce Hardy II, conductor, in celebration of their 40th anniversary (2018).
- Program Note from score
The title of this inspiring composition is drawn from Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address in 1861, "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
A brisk fanfare with changing meters is followed by a soft passage that builds to a powerful full ensemble statement before introducing a noble melody stated first by solo trumpet. Although scored at a softer dynamic level, this section conveys a sense of determination with driving rhythms in the supporting material and percussion. The mood then becomes calm and reflective with a freely scored passage for solo flute. Other instruments soon appear as the piece moves through a variety of textures with brief solos for alto saxophone and horn. The brisk tempo returns in a spirited final section that includes brief percussion breaks, effective contrasts of style and dynamics, and a dramatic conclusion.
- Program Note from The Instrumentalist
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Peninsula Symphonic Band (Palo Alto, Calif.) (Jason R. Palmer, conductor) – 21 November 2021
- Westminster College (New Wilmington, Penn.) Symphonic Band (R. Tad Greig, conductor) - 30 April 2021
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Aberystwyth Variants (2015)
- Aisling Gaelach (2010)
- All the Starry Band (2004/2005)
- Appalachian Folk Song Suite (as arranger) (2001)
- At Twilight (2014)
- Better Angels (2019)
- Blue Devil Dancing (2020)
- Blue Ridge Portrait
- Converse Fantasy (2011)
- Concerto for Trumpet and Winds (2010)
- Dan River Festival (1996)
- Diamond Fantasy (2001)
- Engelberg Variations (1999)
- Evensong (2008)
- The Hornet's Nest (2019)
- In the Bleak Midwinter (2002)
- Introduction, Allegro, and Dance
- Legend of the Saura (2000)
- Lincoln Legend (2003)
- The Maestro's Flourish (2005)
- Mandjiani (2004)
- Mysteria (2000)
- Of Fire and Ice (2012/2015)
- River Songs of the South (as arranger) (2007)
- Rugby Heritage (2021)
- Sandhills Saga (2020)
- Southwest Overture (1993)
- Sparkle (2011)
- Three Studies in English Folk Song (as arranger) (1927/1999/2003)
- Trek to the Summit (2019)
- Upon the Wings of the Wind (2002)
- Variations on an American Hymn Tune (1998)
- Victory (2019)
Resources
- "New Music Reviews." The Instrumentalist, 75.3 (Dec. 2020/Jan. 2021): 34-35. Print.
- Perusal score